“Well if there ever was a sign, I would think a big spacefaring army of ponies would be it.” Black commented blithely as the bishop collected the empty bowls. “But that’s not really for us to decide, is it?” He said, watching Pearlescent and Shield for some kind of reaction from the food they’d eaten. Seeing none, he gave the two a friendly smile. “Have to say, most Equestrians balk at eating Manticore meat but you two haven’t blown chunks everywhere. Maybe you’ll fit in better then most.” Black chuckled as he watched their expressions curdled.
Rising frowned at the half-aborted slight about her race. “Daemons can be fought without the need to delve deep into their dark, corrupting ways, Professor. The Diarchy has survived for over five thousand years, fighting and defeating heretic, heathen and xenos.” She said as the Magos manipulated the projector further, playing an old propaganda film about the tenants of religious and racial unity. As the new recording blathered on about the importance of praying to the Sisters Divine, the Abbess walked back over to the windows to look out at Manehatten. “We have seen losses, we have seen setbacks, we have seen worlds put to the sword and the flame but Holy Equis still endures, Equines still endure because faith and spite. And it was with faith and spite that we fought back against our daemonic invaders. Perhaps later we might discuss that but back to the topic at hoof.”
Rising turned back to her guests as she finally returned all four legs to the ground. “While I cannot return your daughter this instant, Duke Silver. I will endeavour to have her returned as soon as we can. Lord Skia will have much to answer for when I find him next. You have my word on this.” She said as the film reached its end and the next one began, showing the multitude of worlds under the Diarchy’s rule.
